The Locomotive - One Big Thing:
February 28: Homestead Exemption Deadline
The deadline to apply for Homestead Exemption is February 28, 2025. For more information and to apply, click here.
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
New Business Alert: Urgent Psych
Last week, I attended the Grand Opening of Urgent Psych alongside our City Manager and Economic Development Director. Their mission is to offer compassionate, accessible, and high-quality psychiatric care to individuals during their moments of crisis. Urgent Psych will play a vital role in addressing the gaps in mental health services, and we are proud to have them choose Chamblee as their home. Learn more about what Urgent Psych does by clicking here.
January 30: Brookhaven District 1 Community Meeting
Regionalism plays a crucial role in fostering strong communities. I was honored to be invited by Councilman Michael Diaz of Brookhaven to speak at his recent Community Meeting. Building and nurturing relationships with neighboring cities is essential for progress. A prime example of this collaboration is our ongoing efforts to connect regional trail systems, ensuring seamless access for all residents. Working together, we can achieve greater success and strengthen our collective future.
February 1: The Exceptional Evening - The Elanie Clark Center
I had the pleasure of attending The Elanie Clark Center's annual fundraiser here in Chamblee. They are a member of our Non-Profit Partner Program and received a grant that helped fund this event. For over 50 years, The Elaine Clark Center has offered unique programs in an inclusive environment where children with special needs learn and play alongside children who are typically developing.
For five decades, this organization has supported children with special needs and their families by providing an innovative model of education and therapeutic play that maximizes the developmental growth of it's students. During the mid-1960s, Sister Robert Therese of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Atlanta began tutoring young children with developmental disabilities who were unable to attend traditional school. The center was incorporated in 1969 and has since built a reputation for providing superior support for children with special needs that have traditionally been underserved in the Metro Atlanta area.
February 6: Chamblee 101 Reunion at Moondog Growlers
Thanks to all that came out! It was great to see some familiar faces from past classes and a pleasure to meet the 2025 class.
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
February E-Signal
The newest Signal newsletter is here! Check out articles on Homestead Exemptions, HB581, and more! Click here to read more.
New Trail Segment
Construction has begun on the newest segment of the Rail Trial. This new path runs will connect the Sexton Woods neighborhood to the Keswick neighborhood. Chamblee Manor Apartments are paying for the segment and won't cost the city a penny!
January 1 - March 31: Trees Atlanta Front Yard Tree Program
Join the Trees Atlanta Front Yard Tree Program to bring shade and beauty to your front yard! The planting season runs from January 1 to March 31.
To select from a list of native trees, apply here: https://www.treesatlanta.org/yardtree/
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee:
February 13: City Council Work Session 6 PM at City Hall
February 13: Public Hearing #3 – HB581 Opt-out 6 PM (during regular public hearing/work session for February)
The City of Chamblee will consider opting out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. The City of Chamblee has scheduled three public hearings, a prerequisite for a municipality to consider opting out of the changes to the statewide floating homestead exemption.
House Bill 581 was passed by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2024 legislative session and was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on April 18, 2024. Voters approved the referendum on the floating homestead exemption in November 2024. Under the new structure of HB 581, there are three changes:
Statewide Floating Homestead Exemption
New Local Option Sales Tax
Property Tax Procedural Changes
Note: No decision has been made and we need these sessions to keep our options open. So far, I've only heard from folks who favor opting out. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
February 18: City Council Regular Session 6 PM at City Hall
February 21: Chamblee Arbor Day Celebration
The City of Chamblee will celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in the City Hall parking lot, 3518 Broad Street, Chamblee. There will be tree plantings and an Arbor Day proclamation reading by city staff. The city will have a limited number of giveaway trees while supplies last.
Volunteers are needed. Please dress appropriately and bring gloves.
February 24: Year-In-Review-Town Hall Meeting with Councilman Jimmy Furst
The original date was postponed due to Winter Storm Cora and I'm happy to share the new date!
The Caboose
I would love to hear your questions, comments, or concerns.
Email: Jfurst@chambleega.gov
Mobile: 770-901-1121
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